Sevens Summer Series gets underway

HARARE - Local rugby starved spectators and players finally get some solace when the 2014 Sevens Summer Series gets underway in Bulawayo and Harare today.

With the National Rugby League suspended over unavailability of funds, a number of the league’s top players have opted to search for greener pastures in foreign leagues.

The NRL’s inactivity is likely to be felt hardest next year when Zimbabwe XV’s rugby team hosts the Confederation of African Rugby Group 1 Africa Cup.

However, although offering game time in the sevens format the Summer Series is a welcome relief for both clubs and rugby spectators.

Ten teams will descend on Old Hararians Sports Club from the Northern Region whilst Hartsfield Rugby Ground hosts to seven teams from the Southern Region.

From Harare the top seven teams will progress to the second round whilst the top five teams from the Southern Region will progress to the second round that has been slated for November 8.

The finals will be played on November 15 pitting the top six teams from the second round.

Matches will be played in a round robin setup.

Dragons, ZRP, Old Hararians, Southern City, Old Georgians 2, Mutare, North Academy, Mabvuku, Harare Sports Club and Harare Sports Club 2 will be vying for the top seven spots at Old Hararians Sports Club.

In Bulawayo, it will be a battle amongst Western Panthers, Matebeleland Busters, Old Miltonians, Western Suburbs, Gweru Shabani, Police Bulldogs and Southern Region Academy.

A host of schools will feature in the sevens format of the game as a way of creating interest at the grass root level.

Zimbabwe Rugby Union is using the platform for the players to fight for places in the Cheetahs and second-string Goshawks.

The Cheetahs will represent the country in the Confederation of African Rugby 7s tournament, to be held at Harare Sports Club on November 29 and 30.

The Summer Series kicks off at 11am at Old Hararians and Hartsfield Rugby Ground. Entry is $2.

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